Day: December 2, 2024

MEPs propose sanctions against Georgian ruling party

Members of the European Parliament have addressed EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, calling for sanctions against Georgian government officials and Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In their letter, the MEPs highlight alleged violations during the 26 October parliamentary elections, claims of fraud, and the suppression of civil protests.

The Baltic states are imposing sanctions on “those suppressing legitimate protests in Georgia”

It is not yet specified who exactly will be targeted by the sanctions

Key points of MEPs’ letter

● On 28 November 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Georgia’s democratic crisis, urging the EU to implement a comprehensive package of personal sanctions in response to widespread violations during the pre-election period and on election day.

The resolution specifically calls on the European Union and its member states to impose personal sanctions on Georgian officials and political leaders responsible for democratic backsliding, violations of electoral laws and standards, abuse of administrative resources, and the misuse of state institutions.

● Sanctions should target the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Tbilisi Mayor and Georgian Dream General Secretary Kakha Kaladze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Garibashvili, as well as judges involved in politically motivated rulings.

● MEPs also call for immediate and targeted personal sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, including freezing all his EU-based assets, due to his role in worsening Georgia’s political process and actions against the country’s constitutional interests, such as attempts to steer Georgia back into Russia’s sphere of influence.

On 1 December, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia agreed to impose sanctions “on those suppressing legitimate protests” in Georgia. This was announced on social media platform X by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže.

At this stage, the ministers have not specified which members of the Georgian government would be subject to these sanctions.

MEPs propose sanctions against Georgian ruling party

The Cultural Center of the Azerbaijani Embassy in France has opened an exhibition titled “Sustainable Vision: Art for Greener Future”, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan, Guinea-Bissau sign memorandum on political consultations  Trend News Agency

This week saw journalists from “AbzasMedia” exposing poor conditions and violations at Baku Detention Facility, while Alasgar Mammadli requested house arrest due to health issues, and the date for Azerbaijan’s municipal elections was announced for January 29, 2025.

Conditions and Violations at the Baku Detention Facility Revealed in Open Letter by Journalists

Three journalists from “AbzasMedia” – Sevinc Vaqifqızı, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Qasımova – currently detained in Baku Detention Facility No. 1, have written an open letter exposing the poor conditions there. They describe overcrowding, with women forced to sleep on the floor or share beds, leading to injuries. They also highlight the lack of basic necessities, including proper bedding, clothing, and hygiene products, which are supposed to be provided by the state but are either missing or substandard.

The journalists also point out that the second floor of the facility, which holds 170 women, has several cells being used for non-prison purposes, such as punishment cells or kitchens for guards. Despite regulations requiring detainees to receive appropriate bedding and personal items, the women are only given poor-quality goods. The food provided is also criticized for being insufficient and of low quality.

Finally, the journalists report that detainees are not receiving the clothing and hygiene items mandated by government regulations. Although a contract was signed with a supplier for these products, they are either never delivered or go missing in the facility, raising questions about resource mismanagement and the handling of funds allocated for detainee care.

Alasgar Mammadli Unsuccesfully Requests House Arrest

Alasgar Mammadli, a media expert from “Toplum TV,” has been in detention for nine months and has appealed for house arrest due to serious health issues, including a thyroid tumor requiring urgent surgery. In his court statement, he emphasized the negative impact his detention has on his family, particularly his two children’s education and well-being.

Mammadli argued that house arrest would not interfere with the investigation and that he had legal grounds for the request. He noted his public service record and denied any intention to obstruct the legal process. However, the Baku City Police Department opposed the request, citing the risk of Mammadli fleeing or hindering the investigation. Judge Akhundov rejected the appeal.

Mammadli believes his detention is politically motivated, part of an effort to silence independent media. The case involves accusations of smuggling, with the  detainees claiming the evidence against them was fabricated. His lawyers plan to appeal the court’s decision.

Azerbaijan goes to the polls again

Municipal elections in Azerbaijan have been scheduled for January 29, 2025, as announced by the Central Election Commission on November 27.

On October 18, 2024, the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) discussed a draft law to amend the “Law on Municipalities’ Territories and Lands,” reducing the number of municipalities from 1,400 to 685. This change was approved by the Milli Majlis and signed into law by President Ilham Aliyev on November 25.

Azerbaijan has held five municipal elections so far, in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, with the most recent one on December 23, 2019. According to the Election Code, municipal elections are held every five years, typically in December. Some experts view the postponement of the 2025 elections as contrary to the law.

The post Azerbaijan’s Friday Wrap-Up: Parliamentary Election Date Set appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

My sincere congratulation to @antoniocostapm as he takes on the role of @EUCouncil President. Wish him all the success during his tenure and look forward to our close cooperation on further deepening of #Armenia🇦🇲- #EU🇪🇺partnership based on common values & shared interests.

— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) December 2, 2024

Guinea-Bissau has consistently supported Azerbaijan’s initiatives – FM  Trend News Agency

Protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, throw fireworks at police as unrest continues  NBC News

Protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, throw fireworks at police as unrest continues  NBC News

Protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, throw fireworks at police as unrest continues  NBC News

Protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, throw fireworks at police as unrest continues  NBC News